Legend Reimagined: Ford China Design Center Launches "MUSTANG | A GRAND TOUR OF RE-IMAGINATION" Program

Dec 16, 2024
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BEIJING, China, Dec. 16th, 2024  -  Ford China Design Center has launched “MUSTANG | A GRAND TOUR OF RE-IMAGINATION”, an industry-academia collaboration program in partnership with CDS Transportation Design Academy. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Ford Mustang and exploring its limitless potential, this program bridges industry and academia to nurture China's emerging automotive design talent, while contributing to the future of automotive design in the region.

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2024 marks a historic year for the Ford Mustang. As the legendary sports car celebrates its 60th anniversary, it continues to break new ground. The Mustang GT3 claimed a podium finish in its return to Le Mans, while the Mustang GTD made history at the Nürburgring, clocking an unprecedented 6’57”685 lap time – making it the first American car to join the sub-7-minute club. The Mustang's enduring appeal extends beyond its racing prowess. For six decades, it has represented more than just speed and power – it has become a cultural icon, winning hearts worldwide with its bold, pioneering design. Rooted in the iconic Mustang, this industry-academia collaboration honors the Mustang’s rich legacy while embracing its spirit of exploration, freedom, and innovation.

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Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford China and IMG

“The Ford Mustang stands as one of automotive history's greatest icons, blazing the trail for American sports cars,” said Max Wolff, Design Director of Ford China and IMG. “Ford China Design Center will provide extensive support to unleash students' creativity, inspiring them to delve deeper into Ford's design philosophy and create extraordinary works.”

The six-month program invites students to delve into the Mustang's glorious heritage and envision its future possibilities. Students will challenge conventional thinking and explore a wide range of design possibilities across various use scenarios. Ford China Design Center's designers will mentor the students throughout the program, offering expert guidance and fostering critical and innovative thinking. Top-performing students will earn have the opportunity to visit Ford China Design Center, gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge automotive design tools and working alongside industry professionals.

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Ford China Design Center is the only fully-formed design center located within the inner ring of Shanghai. It houses a complete range of automotive design capabilities, including research on design trends; user experience; exterior, interior and color and materials design; digital experience design; digital modelling; and clay modelling, milling and fabrication. Its international team of leading designers drives innovation across all aspects of automotive design. Since its evolution from the Ford Advanced Design Studio in 2019, Ford China Design Center has experienced remarkable growth, with its design team expanding from 10 to over 100 professionals. By combining global resources with deep local market insights, Ford China Design Center plays a vital role in shaping products that resonate with Chinese consumers' unique preferences and aspirations. These innovations not only strengthen Ford's presence in China but also energize the company's global design philosophy.

Stay tuned for more updates on “MUSTANG | A GRAND TOUR OF RE-IMAGINATION” and the upcoming interim review and selection process in Q1 2025.

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    Ford China Design Center x CDS Transportation Design Academy Collaboration
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